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Chapter 9 | Section 1
Chapter 9 | Section 1
Updated: June 7, 2026

Personal Space: What’s That?

Updated: June 7, 2026

It doesn’t exist. Not the way you know it. People will stand inches behind you in a queue. Don’t be surprised if even the inches disappear. A stranger on the metro will press against you without apology.

The funny thing is, even if there is space, you will feel someone bumping you from behind - not on purpose, but because their body involuntarily closes any gaps it sees - perhaps to ensure no one can cut through or perhaps to feel like the line is actually moving. You can always turn around and politely request your sliver of space, and they’ll respect it, till they forget 2 minutes later.

Someone you’ve just met will ask your age, your salary, your marital status, and whether you have children — in that order — within the first five minutes.

None of this is hostility. It’s just what happens in a country of 1.4 billion people where space is a luxury most have never had, so the concept of “personal bubble” simply didn’t develop the way it did in less dense societies.

You’ll find it intrusive at first. Hopefully, less so by week two.

Have a question? Something out of date? Write to me at noam@notonamap.com and I'll help however I can.